A recent survey was conducted among trend-savvy Japanese high school students to uncover the “Top Spring Trends of 2025.” In this article, we’re diving into what’s currently trending across Japan—from popular buzzwords and food, to favorite artists, idols, actors, cosmetics, fashion, and even upcoming "next big things."
What Words Are Trending in Japan Right Now?
- 1st: 〇〇界隈 (7.8%)
- 1st: ほんmoney (7.8%)
- 3rd: ケンチャナ (4.9%)
- 3rd: マジマジマジンガー？ (4.9%)
- 5th: 菊池風磨構文 (3.9%)
- 5th: かわいいだけじゃダメですか？ (3.9%)
- 5th: 風呂キャンセル界隈 (3.9%)
- 5th: メロい (3.9%)
- 9th: うますぎやろがい (2.9%)
- 10th: おい、笑える (1.9%)
- 10th: ちゃーん (1.9%)
- 10th: 厳しいって (1.9%)
- 10th: まずは、ありがとう (1.9%)
- 10th: わかんの (1.9%)
- 10th: マコモ湯構文 (1.9%)
- 10th: それな (1.9%)
- 10th: ◯◯チャンネル (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Top spot goes to viral influencer slang!
"〇〇界隈" (〇〇-kaiwai), which refers to specific industries or hobbies, took first place. One student commented, "It’s trendy to add 'kaiwai' to anything, and there are so many different kinds—it’s fun" (2nd year high school girl). It's now considered a versatile word that can be used in all kinds of situations and has earned its spot as a fan favorite. Tied for first is "ほんmoney," a word popularized by well-known influencer "kemio." It's a playful twist on "honmani," the Kansai dialect version of the Japanese word "hontou ni" (which means "really" or "truly"). In third place are "ケンチャナ" (Kenchana) and "マジマジマジンガー？?"(Maji maji majingaa). "Kenchana" is Korean for "It’s okay" or "No problem." It became a trend after K-POP idols began dancing to a TikTok sound featuring the word. "Maji maji majingaa?" is a gag by solo comedian "Otamajakushi Nakanishi." Students shared, "It’s funny and easy to use" (2nd year high school girl) and "I use it when I’m seriously surprised" (2nd year high school boy). It’s become a fun and catchy phrase for expressing shock.
What’s Trending in Japan Right Now?
- 1st: BeReal. (32.0%)
- 2nd: マコモ湯構文 (3.9%)
- 2nd: バレンタインプリ (3.9%)
- 2nd: Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket（ポケポケ）(3.9%)
- 5th: お菓子作り (2.9%)
- 5th: ◯◯界隈 (2.9%)
- 5th: 風呂キャンセル界隈 (2.9%)
- 5th: デジカメ (2.9%)
- 9th: 猫ミーム (1.9%)
- 9th: 編み物 (1.9%)
- 9th: 今日、好きになりました。 (1.9%)
- 9th: TikTok (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
"BeReal." takes the top spot for the third special edition in a row!
"BeReal." once again claimed 1st place, earning overwhelming support. BeReal. is a social media app where users are notified once a day and must post a photo of their real life within two minutes. One student shared, "I can record my daily life and it’s easier to post than Instagram" (3rd year high school girl), reflecting how this app that captures raw, real-life moments is still a big hit among high schoolers.
In 2nd place, tied entries include "マコモ湯構文," "バレンタインプリ," and "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket(ポケポケ)." "Makomoyu Composition" became a hot topic on social media after someone posted "Actually, I haven’t changed my bathwater in a year and a half." This sparked a trend of phrases like "Actually, I haven’t 〇〇 in a year and a half." Many students commented that "It’s often used when joking around, and hardly anyone doesn’t know it" (1st year high school girl), showing how fast it's spread among teens. "バレンタインプリ" refers to the trend of taking commemorative print club photos (purikura) during events, not just on Valentine’s Day. Coordinated outfits and hairstyles for the occasion make it a fun way to capture memories. "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket(ポケポケ)" is a mobile app version of the globally loved Pokémon card game, now available in digital form.
What Foods Are Trending in Japan Right Now?
- 1st: Acai Bowl (26.2%)
- 2nd: Chocolate Marshmallow (11.7%)
- 3rd: Greek Yogurt (6.8%)
- 4th: Mala Soup (4.9%)
- 5th: Marshmallow Nougat (3.9%)
- 6th: Green Onion, Cream Cheese & Bacon (2.9%)
- 6th: Gummies (2.9%)
- 8th: MBTI-themed Snacks (1.9%)
- 8th: Gong Cha (1.9%)
- 8th: 10 Yen Bread (1.9%)
- 8th: Chunk Cookies (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
"Marshmallow"-related sweets trending on TikTok are becoming popular
"Açaí Bowl" ranked first. It is still very popular as a sweet that combines health consciousness and SNS. In second place is "Chocolate Marshmallow". "It's coming out on TikTok and I'm like, 'I want to eat it myself!'" (high school 3, girl), "I always see it on TikTok and Instagram recommendations, and I think it's easy to make and good" (high school 2, girl), and it seems to be trending mainly on SNS.
Who is Your Favorite Japanese Idol or Artist Right Now?
- 1st: Ren Meguro (Snow Man) (2.9%)
- 1st: HANA (2.9%)
- 1st: Mrs. GREEN APPLE (2.9%)
- 4th: Karen Matsumoto (FRUITS ZIPPER) (1.9%)
- 4th: Ayano Masuda (CUTIE STREET) (1.9%)
- 4th: Risa Furusawa (CUTIE STREET) (1.9%)
- 4th: Sho Hirano (Number_i) (1.9%)
- 4th: ENHYPEN (1.9%)
- 4th: SEKAI NO OWARI (1.9%)
- 4th: HY (1.9%)
- 4th: Vaundy (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
A girl group from an audition show makes its first appearance on the list!
Tied for 1st place are "Ren Meguro (Snow Man)," "HANA," and "Mrs. GREEN APPLE." Fans of "Ren Meguro" commented, "I got into Snow Man and he’s cool, funny in his reactions and when he talks, and he's good at dancing and singing" (3rd year high school girl). He continues to rise as a nationally beloved idol. Many students supporting HANA said, "The style and lyrics of the songs are cool, and many of them make me want to work hard every day too" (2nd year high school girl). A lot of people have been cheering them on since their audition program, and the songs with positive messages resonate with listeners. As for Mrs. GREEN APPLE, comments like "They’re really good at singing and always give a lot back to their fans" (1st year high school girl) show how their strong vocals and catchy tunes have captured the hearts of high schoolers.
Who is Your Favorite Japanese Actor Right Now??
- 1st: Mio Imada (7.8%)
- 2nd: Kanna Hashimoto (4.9%)
- 2nd: Satomi Ishihara (4.9%)
- 4th: Ryosuke Yamada (Hey! Say! JUMP) (3.9%)
- 4th: Mei Nagano (3.9%)
- 4th: Minami Hamabe (3.9%)
- 7th: Kentaro Sakaguchi (2.9%)
- 7th: Eiji Akaso (2.9%)
- 7th: Hibiki Honda (2.9%)
- 7th: Ryo Yoshizawa (2.9%)
- 7th: Meiku Hata (2.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Mio Imada took the top spot. Many students said things like "She’s super cute and a great actress too" (1st year high school girl), showing she’s someone they really admire. In 2nd place were Kanna Hashimoto and Satomi Ishihara. Kanna Hashimoto is popular "because she’s so cute" (1st year high school girl), while Satomi Ishihara maintains her lasting appeal across generations, with comments like "The video of her from 'Heartbroken Chocolatier' went viral and she’s so pretty" (1st year high school girl).
Who is Your Favorite Japanese YouTuber or Influencer Right Now?
- 1st: 一生友子 (5.8%)
- 2nd: よにのちゃんねる (2.9%)
- 2nd: 希空 (2.9%)
- 2nd: ハウスダスト (2.9%)
- 5th: HIKAKIN (1.9%)
- 5th: 平成フラミンゴ (1.9%)
- 5th: スカイピース (1.9%)
- 5th: コムドット (1.9%)
- 5th: みなみ (1.9%)
- 5th: ハシダ (1.9%)
- 5th: りんか (1.9%)
- 5th: 平松想乃 (1.9%)
- 5th: nanakoななこ (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
A two-member female influencer who is rapidly rising in popularity among high school students wins first place for the first time
"一生友子" reached 1st place for the first time. Students said, "She’s cute, relatable, funny, and informative" (3rd year high school girl), and "I see her on TikTok a lot, and now that she’s on YouTube too, I see her even more" (3rd year high school girl). Her popularity is quickly growing among high schoolers thanks to her short videos. Tied for 2nd place were the long-popular "よにのちゃんねる," as well as "Noa," the daughter of actor Taiyo Sugiura and talent Nozomi Tsuji, whose influencer debut quickly gained attention, and beauty YouTuber "ハウスダスト," who is known for her content in the beauty space.
What is Your Favorite Character Right Now?
- 1st: Esther Bunny (16.5%)
- 2nd: Hello Kitty (14.6%)
- 3rd: Puppet Sunsun (7.8%)
- 4th: Chiikawa (5.8%)
- 5th: Opanchu Usagi (3.9%)
- 6th: Panpan-kun (2.9%)
- 7th: Tamagotchi (1.9%)
- 7th: The Powerpuff Girls (1.9%)
- 7th: Kuromi (1.9%)
- 7th: Rilakkuma (1.9%)
- 7th: Luvlees (1.9%)
- 7th: Chegosim (1.9%)
- 7th: Sanrio (1.9%)
- 7th: Vanellope (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
A Korean-born character takes the top spot!
The pop and girly pink bunny character "Esther Bunny" from Korea came in 1st. One student shared, "A lot of people have the stuffed toy attached to their school bags" (1st year high school girl), showing its popularity, especially among high school girls. In 2nd place is "Hello Kitty," Sanrio’s iconic character. One fan said, "There were a lot of new goods released for the 50th anniversary" (1st year high school girl), and while she’s a long-standing character, she continues to attract new fans.
What is Your Favorite Cosmetics and Fashion Right Now?
- 1st: fwee (18.4%)
- 2nd: CLIO (7.8%)
- 3rd: Dior (5.8%)
- 4th: rom&nd (4.9%)
- 5th: Y2K (3.9%)
- 5th: CANMAKE (3.9%)
- 5th: Wonjungyo (3.9%)
- 8th: BANILA CO (2.9%)
- 8th: Balletcore (2.9%)
- 10th: peripera (1.9%)
- 10th: Flower Knows (1.9%)
- 10th: Haniwa Style (1.9%)
- 10th: Laka (1.9%)
*Multiple answers allowed
Korean cosmetic brands dominate the top two spots!
The Korean cosmetic brand "fwee" was chosen as No.1. A high school senior girl commented, "The colors are vivid and there's a wide variety, so a lot of my friends have fwee blushes." Their lip and cheek products are especially popular. Taking second place is another Korean brand, "CLIO." Many commented things like, "Because it's trending on TikTok to film videos while holding blush in your mouth" (2nd year high school girl), showing how beauty videos on social media are driving the popularity of these brands.
10 Next Trends in Japan
【Fashion】Angelcore
A style that combines soft impressions like angel motifs and neo-pastel colors with a pop vibe. It's trending in Korea and now items blending Korean girly style with angel themes are being released in Japan as well.
【Fashion】]PUMA Speedcat Ballet SD
A feminine shoe that blends "balletcore" elements into PUMA's popular "Speedcat" series. The cute design and comfortable fit are winning over high school students.
【Person】Reiira Ushio
Her love songs like "Sentimental Kiss" and "Koi wo Hisomete" were used in ABEMA's original dating shows. On YouTube, her videos have surpassed 18 million views. The emotional melodies and dramatic lyrics seem to resonate with many.
【Person】Toranosuke Sato
A former member of the now-disbanded male idol group "8iper" as of February. His hair and makeup tutorial videos on social media are gaining attention with comments like "He's too handsome" and "His face is intense."
【Things】Gonggi
A traditional Korean game featured in season 2 of Netflix's hit series "Squid Game." Similar to Japan’s "ohajiki," it's simple yet has depth, and has become popular. K-POP idols, the boy group JO1, and celebrities like Ken Miyake have taken on the challenge, fueling the boom.
【Things】Nationality Face Type Diagnosis
A trend primarily focused on male idols or characters that categorizes facial features and vibes according to different nationalities. On TikTok and X, fans are assigning their favorite stars to categories like "He's a ___ nationality face!" as a fun way to engage.
(Examples)
- Seductive Face: Delicate, sickly beauty that captivates
- Patriotic Face: Sharp and soldier-like, manly
- Enemy Nation Face: Ambitious, energetic rival type
- Savior Nation Face: Cheerful, radiant, nice guy
- Heir Face: Innocent, elegant prince with a gentle smile
【Things】#phonegunchallenge
A trend on TikTok where people pose with their phone in a way that looks like holding a gun. The stylish and cool moves have gained traction, especially when combined with dances or other edits.
【Anime】Tougen Anki
The hit manga series "Tougen Anki," with over 3 million copies sold, is finally getting a TV anime adaptation in July 2025! Its thrilling plot and unique characters already have a loyal fanbase, and the anime announcement has sparked even more excitement leading up to its release.
【Food】Towel Cake
A trendy crepe cake in Korea that looks just like a real towel. Its super realistic yet cute appearance makes it a hit with high school students as a perfect "Instagrammable" item. The fluffy texture and sweetness also add to its charm, making it popular on social media.
【App】Taita - Fake Chinese Language Board -
A new SNS/internet board app launched in December 2024 where users post in "fake Chinese," restricted to kanji and a few symbols. Although it seems easy to understand at first glance, the decoding aspect is quite tricky, which people find mentally stimulating and fun.
【Survey Overview]】
Survey Theme: Spring 2025 Trend Survey
Target: High school students (ages 15–18)
Survey Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
Survey Method: Online questionnaire
Valid Responses: 100
Source: "Shibuya Trend Research" https://shibuya-trendresearch.jp
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